Flames' Rene Bourque Suspended Five Games For Hit On Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom

Calgary Flames forward Rene Bourque has been suspended five games for delivering an elbow to the head of Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom during last night's loss to the Capitals, according to the NHL.

The incident occurred midway through the third period, with the Flames trailing 3-1. A minor penalty for elbowing was assessed on the play.

Bourque was punished stiffly by the league, however, since he'd classified as a repeat offender -- he was also suspended for two games last month for an illegal hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.

The 30-year-old left winger will forfeit $203,252.05 in salary, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Bourque's suspension is slated to begin tomorrow, as the Flames visit the Bruins, and he will be eligible to return on Jan. 17 at San Jose.